Randomized Trading and You

Ever play Settlers of Catan? Probably.

Ever gotten bored of Settlers of Catan? Also probably, though if you've play it enough ANY game gets boring so I wouldn't ever say that Catan is inherently boring, only overexposure makes it seem that way.

In any event I have most certainly gotten bored of Catan, but I have an intriguing fix! Since this is a resource based game trading is of course allowed, and most often trading is done known fashion.

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"I'll give you one sheep for one mud," Joseph says slyly, hoping to build a new settlement on a sheep port.

"It's called brick, but whatever, sure why not," Nathanial replies.

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They trade, sheep for brick, and the game progresses simply enough. Easy, fast, and after awhile, entirely too simple to be interesting.

This example however, is much more entertaining!


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"I'll give you one sheep for one mud," Joseph says slyly, hoping to build a new settlement on a sheep port.

"Well...I do have two bricks, not sure what mud is though."

"You know what I mean Nathan, trade or not?"

"How about this, I'll show you three cards. Two of them are brick, one is a different resource all together. Give me a sheep and I will let you pick one at random."

"What? No way, just give me a brick!"

"Well I don't especially need a sheep, and I assume you really need a brick, so I'm willing to give you a 66% chance at a brick in return for a sheep. You'll get something for sure at least."

"How do I even know there are even two bricks in the three cards?"

"I'll show you the two bricks, then hand them and a third mystery resource to a third party for shuffling. Then you can pick."

Joseph considers the offer, and decides 66% chance at getting a brick is better than no chance at a brick, and he had a surplus of sheep anyways, and decides to take the deal. The odds are in his favor and as luck would have it he walks away with a brick. No rules were broken and a much more interesting player interaction has taken place, everybody wins!
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So next time you are looking for some spice to add to your resource management games, try randomized trading! It's usually legal and it's always fun!